Permission sought for biotech park to create 3,500 jobs
Waterford County Council insisted yesterday the proposed project had the potential to transform the region and boost its image as one of the country’s key biotechnology hubs.
The council’s director of economic and community development, Brian White, said the local authority was committed to supporting potential investors.
The new park, he said, is earmarked for Coolnauck, Carrickbeg, close to Carrick-on-Suir but within the Waterford boundary.
Mr White said the council was fully behind all applications on industrial zoned lands and indicated major submissions would be decided within six weeks.
The proposed site, owned by Treasury Holdings, would include incubation facilities for biotech and biopharma companies, in plots ranging from 1,000 sq m to 20,000 sq m.
It will target higher added value technology companies, including firms involved in biotechnology, medical devices, ICT and research and development.
Several pre-planning meetings have been held with the applicant and the file is due to be submitted shortly, Mr White said.
“Work on the technical aspects of this application are continuing behind the scenes.
“We will provide ready access to our senior planning staff for pre-planning consultations. And we will give a decision on all major planning applications within six weeks of the submission of a complete and valid planning application,” Mr White vowed.
He said such commitments have to be given if they are to attract major investment in the county.
Given the central location of the park, close to Carrick-on-Suir, it is envisaged that there would be an immediate take-up of a large proportion of the sites for biotechnology or ICT development.
“This could yield up to 1,000 jobs within the first three years. The lands have a potential to accommodate and support employment levels in the region of 1,500 to 3,500 jobs on site. Construction jobs would be approximately 300 jobs per year,” he added.
Potential investors in the region have access to a massive pool of talent, from senior management to scientific research staff.
These include talent at GlaxoSmithKline in Dungarvan, Abbott Vascular (Guidant) in Clonmel and Merck Sharp and Dohme on the county boundary.
